Editorial: DeLay delays GOP message

Posted: Friday, November 19, 1999

It may be of minor consequence, but the decision by U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, to back out of a scheduled interview on a national Sunday morning political talk show resembles the problems the GOP faces on a much larger scale.

DeLay, the House's third-ranking Republican, decided against appearing on CBS-TV's "Face the Nation" this past Sunday after the network refused to let him appear following U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D.

DeLay had agreed previously to appear on the show and discuss issues pertaining to Congress' almost-completed session.

According to network officials, DeLay's office requested this past Saturday that he appear after an interview with Daschle, a Democratic leader.

This was evidently an attempt by DeLay to provide himself the opportunity to rebuke or refute any potential comments by Daschle.

That's fine.

In the world of politics, that is a minor procedural tactic.

However, to make this request a stipulation for appearance is unprofessional and an unwise public relations move, at least in terms of media coverage.

According to "Face the Nation" moderator Bob Schieffer, the network offered DeLay a concession. If he would go on first he could return after Daschle's segment and respond to any criticisms.

DeLay's office declined the offer and has not commented on the matter.

DeLay's decision to pull out of the broadcast is a mere blip on the political radar screen.

Considering the bigger picture, it is representative of the communication gap that has needlessly saddled the GOP.

Schieffer summed up the situation accurately in a commentary aired Sunday:

"This is small stuff to be sure, but ironically, it comes as more and more rank-and-file Republicans are telling me that their problem is their leaders can't seem to find a way to get the party message out. I have no interest in getting in the middle of that, but they may be on to something."